Watch List Highlights
The 2026 preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award has been released, spotlighting two Texas Longhorns who are already generating buzz for their defensive dominance.
Rasheem Biles, a senior linebacker, tops the nation with 1.70 tackles for loss per game and earned Second‑Team All‑ACC honors last season. His consistency has kept him on the Bednarik watch list for a second straight year, underscoring his status as one of the most disruptive defenders in the ACC.
Junior edge rusher Colin Simmons has been equally impressive, leading Texas with 12.0 sacks and ranking fifth nationally in the same category. His forced‑fumble rate and weekly defensive honors have earned him a spot on the watch list and a place on the Coaches' All‑SEC First Team.
The Bednarik Award, presented annually since 1994, honors the nation’s top defensive player and is named after Chuck Bednarik, the Hall‑of‑Fame linebacker who starred for the Philadelphia Eagles. Past recipients include legends such as Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt.
Both Texas players are also in the conversation for other major defensive trophies, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Butkus Award. Their preseason recognitions place them among the early favorites for these accolades.
The award timeline is already set: semifinalists will be announced on November 10, the three finalists on November 24, and the winner will be revealed at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10, 2026.
Texas will open its 2026 campaign on September 5 against Texas State at Darrell K Royal‑Texas Memorial Stadium, a game that could further cement the duo’s momentum heading into award season.